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Rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery

Post-surgery rehabilitation care

After surgery and with the help of our specialists’ team, you will be expected to quickly start your rehabilitation program and gradually do more and more exercises. You will be able to get up and walk, initially using a walking aid, and then without any support.

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It is very important that you follow the rehabilitation program closely to ensure your procedure is as successful as possible.

PHYSIOTHERAPY REHABILITATION

  • Recover joint amplitudes
  • Recover adequate muscle activation
  • Decrease edema and post-operative pain
  • Promote healing
  • Recover adequate walking pattern

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY REHABILITATION

  • Promote set up of auxiliary methods and training
  • Provide joint protection advice
  • Check application of instructions via diverse scenarios
  • Suggest practical home adaptations

ADAPTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REHABILITATION

  • Improve overall and specific joint mobility
  • Inform and support the patient to maintain physical activity at home

You will stay in hospital for between five and seven days, depending on how quickly you recover. You can usually return to driving after a few weeks, depending on how quickly you recover and which hip was replaced. You can also expect to return to sports after a few months, depending on the type of physical activity. However, we recommend that high-impact contact sports should still be avoided.

Postoperative rehabilitation exercises

Here is a list of physiotherapy exercises for postoperative rehabilitation. Please note that only the exercises specifically recommended by your physiotherapist and / or surgeon should be performed.

FAQ

How long does it take to recover from hip replacement surgery?

You will usually be in hospital for three to seven days. You can then either receive rehabilitation as an outpatient or as an inpatient at a rehabilitation centre. An inpatient rehabilitation programme is usually two weeks, while outpatient rehabilitation depends on the progress of each patient and the surgeon’s instructions.

What exercises should I do after hip replacement surgery?

Below is a selection of physiotherapy exercises for post-operative rehabilitation. Please only do the exercises recommended by your physiotherapist and/or surgeon.

Selection of physiotherapy exercises

When can I play sport again after hip replacement surgery?

You can gradually return to sport in the months following your operation. However, high impact and contact sports, such as football and karate, should still be avoided. We recommend that you seek advice from your doctor.

When can I drive again after hip replacement surgery?

You can start to drive again when you are able to do so safely; you should be able to perform an emergency stop. In general, you cannot drive for two weeks after surgery, however your surgeon will provide further guidance depending on which hip was replaced and the surgical technique used.

What movements should I avoid after hip replacement surgery?

Movements to avoid depend on the surgical technique used and guidance varies depending on the type of surgery performed. We recommend that you seek advice from your doctor and/or therapist. 

How can I prevent my hip from dislocating after hip replacement surgery?

In order to reduce the risk of hip dislocation, it is important to follow the advice from your surgeon and/or therapist. 

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